Spellbinder

When it comes to weaving verbal tapestries about “Far Away Never-Never Land,” Martha Stevens has a special touch.

The professional storyteller had an audience of almost 90 children giggling, gasping and rapt over American, African and Korean folk tales at the North Hollywood Public Library this week.

Stevens, who has delivered fantasy-filled narratives to children for more than 10 years, said she enjoys entertaining children with words alone.

“I’m amazed that such stories still get a child’s attention when we’re in a technological age of loud music and videos,” Stevens said.

Stevens, 45, said she does not present typical fairy tales to the youngsters, but finds excerpts from literary pieces or simply intriguing stories.

“One of the stories that absolutely enthralled the kids was ‘The Jug of Molasses’ by Carl Sandburg,” Stevens said in her soft, almost musical tones.

Additional one-hour sessions will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11, 18 and 25 and Sept. 1.